Time to "Smell" Christmas

Shopping, gifts, trees, decorations, sound of the season music, program practice, snow and silver bells.  All of these things remind me of Christmas.  I dearly love Christmas; it is my favorite time of the year.  However, when I think of all of these Christmas-related events, I get overwhelmed with two words – “busy-ness” and “activity.”  Now to be busy and active is not bad; it is part of life.  But I am afraid that sometimes in our busy-ness and the hurry and scurry of Holiday activities, we tend to forget the real meaning of Christmas.

 
In an attempt to get people to take time to see things as they really are and to appreciate what is around them, the phrase, “take time to smell the roses” has been penned.  Maybe that is good advice for us this Christmas.  We need to “take time to smell Christmas.”  In other words, amid all the activities in which we are involved we need to take time to think about Jesus Christ, who is the real meaning of Christmas.  Here are a couple of ideas for your meditation and contemplation concerning the greatest Christmas gift that was ever given – the Lord Jesus.  Think about it.

• The angel of the Lord told Joseph that Mary would give birth to a son, “And you are to give Him the name Jesus, because He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21).
• An angel of the Lord appeared to the shepherds and said, “Do not be afraid.  I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.  Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11).

This year, I encourage you to take time to "smell" Christmas -- the real Christmas!.

Thanks Living

Thanksgiving is over.  Or is it?  Most people feel that on the annual Thanksgiving holiday they ought to be thankful, or at least show thanks in some specific way.  That is important, especially when we realize that the very word “thanksgiving” suggests the giving of thanks or making sure that we express our appreciation.  I’d like to suggest that as we look back to Thanksgiving that we let it remind us of one other thing – “thanks living.”  By that I mean that we should be so grateful and thankful to God for what He has done for us that we let that gratefulness show by the way we live our lives.  In the Bible, the Apostle Paul says this: "Give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus" (I Thessalonians 5:18).

When we give thanks in all circumstances we live in a thankful way.  By “thanks living” we show our appreciation for the personal freedom we enjoy in our country, including our religious freedom.  By “thanks living” we voluntarily submit ourselves to live according to the guidelines God reveals to us in His holy Word.  By “thanks living” we monitor the words that we say, so that those words are always encouraging and uplifting.  The significance of Thanksgiving cannot be underestimated – especially when we add to it our “thanks living.”  Will you join me in the transition from the Thanksgiving holiday Season to the Christmas holiday season by expressing thanks to God through not only the giving of thanks but by “thanks living?”

Tracking Progress

On a recent flight I enjoyed watching the “my flight” channel containing a moving map. This channel shows a number of different screens. First there is a screen giving all kinds of readings including current time, estimated time of arrival, local time at origin and destination, miles traveled, air temperature, ground speed, and distance traveled,. There is also a map of the land over which you are traveling with a small airplane icon showing the progress of the trip. Some people don’t pay much attention to these maps and information. Either they know where they are going, don’t care where they are going, or are not interested in seeing the progress that is made. However, as the plane begins to descend, everyone knows they will soon arrive and their destination and so they begin making preparation for arrival.

In life some people do not pay much attention to where they are going, let alone check their progress along the way. However, you often hear people comment about how the years seem to fly by. The older people are the more often this talk is heard.

Whether a person is 60, 70 or 80 years or more, times goes by very quickly. How do people know where they are going? How do they monitor their progress along the way? A quick look at the Bible will give information that puts all of this in perspective. Regarding the route a person takes Jesus reminds us – “Enter through the narrow gate. For wide is the gate and broad is the road that leads to destruction, and many enter through it. But small is the gate and narrow the road that leads to life, and only a few find it” (Matthew 7:13-14). Concerning the progress made along the way Scripture tells us we are to “Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:16-16). Regarding the destination Jesus says, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6).

Are you aware of your destiny? What gate have you come through and what road are you on? Have you been tracking the progress to your destination? Turn to God’s Word. It’s a great tracking instrument.

The Right Source

A short time ago I was having difficulty with a computer program which was installed on my netbook.  I found myself checking out each of the tabs I found on the main menu of the program seeking a solution to my problem.  I even went into the help menu searching for assistance.  However, everything I tried did not address the problem.  Nothing worked.   Then, I decided I needed to go to an expert on computers, which happened to be my son.  I told him exactly what I wanted the program to do.  The expert made a few clicks on the mouse and in a matter of ten seconds or less the problem was solved.

The real difficulty was that I was trying to solve the problem by myself.  That was my first course of action.  I should have known better because I am not an expert when it comes to computers.  I should have gone to the right source immediately which would have alleviated my frustration.  This whole episode reminded me that the action I took was exactly that we so often do in life.  Instead of going to the right source immediately, we try to work things out on our own.

Living as a Christian often has its difficulties.  When difficult times come, our first action should be to go to the right source – to God, Himself.   In the Bible the psalmist found God’s help when he needed it.  He said, “O LORD my God, I called to you for help and you healed me” (Psalm 30:2).  When Daniel the prophet faced difficulty he began “praying and asking God for help.” (Daniel 6:11).  These men took the correct action.  Scripture further reminds us that God said, “For I am the LORD, your God, who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help  you”  (Isaiah 41:13).  God is always ready to help us whatever our difficulty.  When we experience setbacks in life, let’s commit ourselves to go to the right source first.  Let’s forget about trying to fix the problem ourselves.  Let’s seek God and His direction and be ready to experience the Biblical solutions He has for life’s difficult dilemmas.

Impressed by Creation

As the Fall season has rolled around, I am once again impressed again by the beauty of creation.  In the northern hemisphere, fall is known as autumn and begins with the September equinox.  This year that date was on September 22.  On that day both day and night were each about 12 hours long.  The Sun crossed the celestial equator going southward and it rose exactly due east and set exactly due west.  The change of the season is determined by shifting sunlight according to how our planet orbits the Sun ans well as the tilt of its axis.  So, why does all this take place with each season in in such a precise way?  Scripture helps us get a grasp of what has been done, what continues to be done, and what our response should be.

 

The Bible reminds us: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1).  God is Creator.  The Bible also says, “He is before all things, and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:17).  God is Sustainer.  Scripture additionally tells us “The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies  proclaim the work of his hands” (Psalm 19:1).

So what can we say?  God created the beauty we see in the natural world around us.  He also sustains it or holds it up and keeps it going by the power of His hands.  His glory is revealed by the beauty we see in creation.  We, like the heavens themselves, should declare His glory.  All of the beauty we see and enjoy during the fall season (and the other seasons of the year) are directly related to God, our Creator and Sustainer.

Starting From Where You Are

A helpful modern-day instrument that gives location and directions for travel is a GPS.  The Global Positioning System is a satellite-based navigation system which is made up of a network of 24 satellites.  These satellites were placed into orbit by the U.S. Department of Defense for military use.  However, in the 1980s, the government made this system available for use by civilians. 
When I place a destination address in my GPS it doesn’t matter where I am located.  The system automatically calculates the route from where I am to my intended destination.

When Jesus invites us to follow Him, He wants us to start from our current location.  We don’t need to clean up our lives.  We don’t have to do a bunch of good deeds.  We don’t need to do anything first.  He simply wants us to start following Him right from where we are now.  After we decide to follow Jesus and begin that wonderful journey, He will teach us and guide us and gives us what we need to serve Him.  Notice the invitation Jesus gave to two men who were asked to follow Him.  They followed immediately.  Once they followed it was Jesus who would make them into what He wanted them to be.

“As Jesus walked beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew casting a net into the lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘and I will make you fishers of men.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.” (Mark 1:16-19).

Are you ready to follow Jesus?  You only need to start from where you are right now.

Change and Changelessness

An annual event that my wife and I like to attend is the Minnesota State Fair.  At the Fair we enjoy viewing the exhibits, looking at the animals, watching people, and of course, tasting the delicious food.  I’m not sure why the State Fair has been such an attraction for us through the years.  Maybe it is because we like to be with people.  Or,  maybe it is because we enjoy visiting the “CrossRoads” Chapel and realize that wherever there are people, there is opportunity to share the Gospel.  Or, maybe it is because the State Fair seems to be the last “big event” of the summer.  And of course, September means the end of summer time, kids going back to school, and preparation for the Autumn, Fall and Winter months.  As I thought about the changing seasons, I was reminded about the changelessness of God.  The Scripture says, “I the Lord do not change” (Malachi 3:6) and, “Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows” (James 1:17).

Isn’t it interesting that our God, who never changes in His personality or being, sustains our world in such a way that you and I can enjoy the changing seasons?  And in addition, the God who loves us so very much makes it possible for you and me to change from our sinful condition to a way of righteousness through Christ.  The Apostle Paul reminds us of the fact that: “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old has gone, the new has come.” (II Corinthians 5:17).  “In Christ” is a phrase that the Apostle Paul uses again and again to note a person’s spiritual relationship to Christ.  If refers to one who not only believes the message about Christ but also is identified by faith in Christ.  To be a “new creation” is God’s creative work done in each individual who believes in Christ.  The end result is that the “old” life of slavery to sin and self is gone, and the “new” life of devotion to Christ exhibits itself in new attitudes and actions.

 As we see the change to the Autumn and Fall seasons, let’s rejoice together that our changeless Father (who is always there when we need Him and on whom we can count on to be faithful and true) makes it possible for change to be a part of our lives.

Noise or Sound

Have you ever noticed the tremendous amount of noise that surrounds you every day?  At home you may hear the noise of your washing machine, refrigerator, freezer or clothes dryer.  At work you may hear the noise of people talking, cars buzzing by, or airplanes flying overhead.  In your quiet time you may even hear the noise of a ticking clock or the noise of nothing at all.

The most common use of the word noise is unwanted sound.  Or it may be referred to as a sound that is loud, unpleasant, unexpected, or undesired.  Noise seems to be different than sound as it is something that is more specific and distinctive.  For example, I hear the sound of a honking horn.  It may be a warning to me that I need to heed.  However, if the sound of the horn continues it becomes a noise annoying and unwanted.

When have you last listened for a sound, and were grateful to God for it?  Maybe it was the sound of a bird chirping, the sound of a baby crying, or the sound of music when expressed in worship to God.  It is interesting that the word “noise” occurs 20 times in my electronic New International Version Bible of the Bible while the word “sound” occurs 125 times.

If there is to be meaning and understanding from a sound, the sound must be distinct.  “If the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?” (1 Corinthians 14:8).  Sometimes we are so busy with what we are doing that noise is ever-present and we neglect to hear the sounds that are quiet and meaningful.  The prophet Elijah discovered God’s voice in quietness.  “After the earthquake came a fire, but the LORD was not in the fire. And after the fire came a gentle whisper” (1 Kings 19:12).  Where are you when it comes to noise and sounds?  Is the noise getting the best of you, or are you listening for sounds that cause you to express praise to God?  What about your quiet time?  Are you spending time in the presence of God where you are able to hear the sound of His gentle whisper?

Taken by Surprise

In most cases, things that surprise us are positive and fun such as an unexpected gift, an unplanned event which materializes on the spur of a moment, a meeting of a close friend or family member whom we have not seen for some time, or an unanticipated word of thanks or encouragement that someone shares with us.  These surprises bring a smile to our face, excitement to our life and joy to our heart.  However, there are other surprises that are not fun, turn out to be negative, and bring stress to our lives.  Two of those surprises came to my wife and me within one week – both our water heater and refrigerator quit working.  These unexpected negative surprises brought concern, distress, and even discouragement.  However, according to the Scripture, anyone who names the name of Christ should approach any surprise – positive or negative – in the same manner.  The Bible says, “Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ” (Philippians 1:27).  This verse implies three things:

1)      Both positive and negative experiences will happen to us (as suggested by the words “whatever happens”)

2)      We have responsibility for how we act (as suggested by the words “conduct yourselves”).

3)      The way we live our life must measure up to a godly standard (as suggested by the words “worthy of the gospel of Christ”).

Have you been taken by surprise lately?  Was that surprise positive, negative, or did you have more than one surprise?  If you are a child of God approach that surprise from a godly perspective.

A Lesson in Learning

Recently, while visiting a class taught by my son who is a professor in Business and Information Technology at Northern Illinois University, I was impressed with not only the content that was shared, but with the process he used to help students learn.  Here is what I observed in his teaching.  First, he presented information.  Then he explained the terms and concepts contained in the information which was presented.  Finally he illustrated the concepts with common examples which helped the students practically apply the information to real life situations.

As I watched and listened it dawned on me that I was observing a lesson in understanding.  The process of teaching that he used was the same process that is used in the Bible.  For example, in the Old Testament the children of Israel were gathered in a great assembly and Ezra the scribe was asked to open the book of the Law of Moses (the Scriptures) which they had not heard for the many years because they had previously been held in captivity in Egypt.  In the presence of the people we are told that he “read aloud” and “all the people listened intently” (Nehemiah 8:2).  The text continues by saying that some of the Levites, “Read from the Book of the Law of God, making it clear and giving the meaning so that the people could understand what was being read” (Nehemiah 8:8).  The people didn’t know what to do with the new information they received so Nehemiah told them, “Go and enjoy choice food and sweet drinks, and send some to those who have nothing prepared. This day is sacred to our Lord. Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).  A little while later we see the people practically applying what they had learned. “Then all the people went away to eat and drink, to send portions of food and to celebrate with great joy, because they now understood the words that had been made known to them” (Nehemiah 8:12).  Note three things about this process of learning.

(1) The first step is information.  As Ezra and the Levites “read from the book of the Law of God” they were imparting valuable information for the people which was crucial to help them learn.

(2) The second step is explanation.  In order to make the information helpful they were “making it clear and giving the meaning.”  The information provided by these men needed to be expounded so it would become understandable.

(3) The third step is application.  In a practical way we find the people going to “eat and drink” and “celebrate with great joy.”  This was possible “Because they now understood the words that had been made known to them.”

Discovery is an exciting process.  If learning is to be useful it must include information, explanation, and practical application to real life situations.

The Touch of the Master

When we were younger and became sick or did not feel well we went to our mother and appreciated her tender touch.  That touch was all that was needed.  We knew her touch would help us through our difficulty.  As we grew into our adult years and became sick we longed for the touch of a doctor who could diagnosis the problem and give us an injection or a pill that would be a quick fix to make us better.  Chapter one of the Gospel of Mark tells the story of a man who had leprosy -- an infectious, communicable, debilitating disease -- which was incurable (in Biblical times) and resulted in death, usually within a decade.  The leper came to Jesus in faith acknowledging that healing rested in the hands of God and that Jesus had the power to heal him.  He said to Jesus, “If you are willing, you can make me clean” (Mark 1:40).   What we see next is Jesus reaching out to this man with compassion, touching him, and healing him with a simple command.  Here’s how the Scripture puts it: “Filled with compassion, Jesus reached out his hand and touched the man. “I am willing,” he said. “Be clean!”  Immediately the leprosy left him and he was cured” (Mark 1:41-42).  

You and I need to experience the compassionate touch of Jesus, the Master – maybe not because of a medical condition, but because of a difficulty or a problem that we face.  We need to: (1) Acknowledge God’s power and sovereignty – “If you are willing, you can make me clean.” (2) We need to understand that Jesus feels a deep sympathy for us with a desire to help us – “Filled with compassion.”  (3) We need to know that Jesus is ready and willing to help us just as we are – “I am willing.”

Jesus is in the business of touching lives today.  It doesn’t matter who we are, what we have done, or the situation in which we find ourselves.  You and I can experience the wonderful touch of the Master – for cleansing, for healing, for restoration, for enrichment, for encouragement, for forgiveness of sins.  Are you willing to come to the Master for His tender touch to meet your need?

Disappointment, Sorrow...and Something Greater

All of us would rather not experience disappointment and sorrow.  However, these emotions are a part of life.  Someone may say something or do something that is the opposite of what we thought they would say or do and that disappoints us.  A broken relationship or the sickness or loss of a loved one may cause sorrow.  Amid disappointment, sorrow and grief there can be a ray of hope.

In the New Testament, when writing to the people who lived at Corinth, the Apostle Paul said, “I have great confidence in you; I take great pride in you. I am greatly encouraged; in all our troubles my joy knows no bounds” (II Corinthians 7:4).  Notice that Paul was facing many difficulties ("troubles"), and yet, he could experience joy.  In his difficult situations he took the opportunity to do two things:

1. Encourage the people to whom he was writing (“great confidence in” and “take pride in”) and
2. Find abundant joy (“in all our troubles…joy knows no bounds”).  

How could he find great joy through his difficulties?  From the Old Testament, Nehemiah helps answer this question when he said,“Do not grieve, for the joy of the LORD is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10).  Joy comes from the Lord and it does not depend on being in a good situation.  While you are going through a time of disappointment, sorrow or grief you can have great joy—if you let the Lord provide it for you.  What difficulty is discouraging you today?  Turn to the Lord.  He is ready to help you have abundant joy in spite of your situation.

Handling Difficulties

A short time ago I was driving on the freeway in the darkness of the early morning when I heard a loud noise that made me blink and jump.  I thought something hit my windshield.  After slowing down, looking quickly across the entire windshield, I could see nothing and assumed something must have hit a different part of the car.  After arriving at my destination I examined the entire body of the vehicle, but found nothing unusual.  It wasn’t until later that day, while driving in bright light, that I discovered a small crack in the very lowest part of the windshield that begun to spider out.  For the sake of safety, the windshield had to be replaced.  I hadn’t planned for that difficulty.  It wasn’t something that was on my schedule.  But it happened.

The same can be said of life.  All of us begin the day assuming that everything will be just fine.  And then a difficulty occurs, be it large or small.  It may be sickness, the loss of a friend, an accident, a disappointment, the death of a loved one, the decline or loss of an investment, a cloudy day, a word of discouragement, a project that failed, an increase in the cost of goods or services, or a cracked windshield.  We don’t plan for difficulties or insert them into our schedule, but they will come.

When difficulties come, how do you handle them, especially if they are major?  One Biblical example comes from the life of Paul and Silas.  They were headed to a prayer meeting but ended up beaten and placed in jail by the city magistrates.  They didn’t sit and mope, lash out against those who mistreated them, or sit and worry about what had happened.  Instead, the Scripture tells us, “About midnight Paul and Silas were praying and singing hymns to God, and the other prisoners were listening to them” (Acts 16:25).  The end result was that the men were released and able to minister to the jailor and his family.  Concerning difficulties:  (1) Realize that difficulties will come for everyone; (2) Understand that Satan will try to use the difficulty to get you to turn from God; (3) Recognize that difficulties will last for varying lengths of time; and (4) Know that God will sustain you through the difficulty.  It might be helpful to remember that God says, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (II Corinthians 12:9).  To that the Apostle Paul said, “Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ's power may rest on me. That is why, for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties.  For when I am weak, then I am strong” (II Corinthians 12:9-10).

What difficult situation are you facing today?  Is it small?  Is it big?  Whatever the size, turn it over to God.  Strength and hope for navigating your difficulty of life will come to you from God, if you turn to Him for help.

Against the Impossible

When the Israelites left Egypt and concluded the time that God led them through the wilderness they were about ready to cross over the Jordan River to enter the Promised Land (Deuteronomy 8:1-2).  God had promised the land to them but it was noted that when they entered the land they would encounter that which looked impossible.  In the land they would find nations that were much bigger and stronger than they were.  They would find huge cities with fortified walls that would be impossible to penetrate.  They would also be approached by the inhabitants who were so tall they were considered giants against whom no one could stand.  To the Israelites all of this would be impossible were it not for one thing – God would go ahead of them.  With His strength, with His power, with His wisdom, and with His promises He would be with them.  After alerting the Israelites to all of the potential problems God gave them this reminder.  “Today know this: GOD, your God, is crossing the river ahead of you” (Deuteronomy 9:3).

What seems impossible that you must confront today?  Is it something that is bigger and stronger then you?  Is it something that seems impenetrable?  Is it something against which you feel you cannot stand?  What a great comfort and assurance it would be to know that God goes before you into your “impossible situation.”  Notice a few things about the reminder that God gave.  First, The God of all strength goes with you.  “God…is”.  Second, God is a personal God.  “Your God.”  Third, God gets involved when you step out in faith.  “Is crossing ahead of you.”

Don 't wait until you get into an impossible situation to turn to God. Turn to Him today and let Him help you as you face that which seems impossible.

An Opportunity for Service

What comes to your mind when you drive by a nursing home or an assisted living facility in the community in which you live?  Maybe nothing comes to your mind.  Or maybe you think “Those poor people.  I sure hope my kids never put me in a place like that.”  I would suggest that these homes are filled with opportunities – opportunities for you and me to serve others.  You might argue, “But, I can’t do anything.  I wouldn’t know what to do.”  Think about this:

• Can you read?  That’s wonderful.  Come and read to me.  I can’t see well enough to read any more.
• Can you write?  That’s fantastic.  Come and write a note for me.  I can’t hold a pen in my hand and I would like to share my greetings with someone I love.
• Can you walk?  Beautiful.  Come and push my wheelchair to different rooms where I live or outside if it is warm.
• Can you hear?  Wow.  Come and listen to some stories I have to share.
• Can you sing?  Wonderful.  Come and sing to me and I’ll follow along as best I can.
• Can you play dominoes or checkers.  That is great.  Come and play with me because many do not take the time.
• Can you talk?  Good deal.  Come and tell me about your family and your work.

Remember, the senior adults who live in these communities are people.  They have contributed to society and have made a difference in this world.  Where they live is “home” and you are invited to come.  Come and do what you can.  Some day you may live in one of these communities and you will certainly want someone to come to spend some time with you.  As you come remember these words from the Bible, “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers” (Galatians 6:10).

Where Can I Go?

When difficulties arise people want to know where they can go for a solution to their problems.  Many people turn to their doctor, some turn to pills and others turn to the Internet.  The individual going through a tough time may have a “best friend” with whom they share some of their experiences, but somehow they still feel uncomfortable talking about the problem they face.  As a result, most people try to address the problem on their own.  When no answers come, they sit and worry.

The best answer to the question of where we can go lies in the chorus of an old gospel hymn.  The lyrics state:

Where could I go?/ oh where could I go?
Seeking a refuge for my soul
Needing a friend to help me in the end
Where could I go but to the Lord?”

It is sad that even those who name the Name of Christ, and call themselves a Christian, often fail to follow the good advice in this song.  Jesus answered the question with a gentle but direct invitation when He said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.  For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30).  There are four aspects to His invitation:

(1) Go to the divine source – “come to me” (Jesus).
(2) Benefit from what Jesus has to offer – “I will give you rest” and “you will find rest for your souls”
(3) Enjoy His gentleness – “I am gentle and humble in heart”
(4) Accept His help through the problem – “my yoke is easy and my burden is light”.

When difficulties beset you, don’t struggle on your own.  Turn to Jesus first, and let Him come alongside you to lighten your burden and help you endure.

Getting Slowed Down

One week ago I was slowed down considerably but learned some valuable lessons in the process.  It wasn’t the path that I would have chosen, but it transpired anyway.  How?  On my way out of work I slipped on ice and fell on my shoulder.  The pain was intense and I felt I had broken a bone.  After a trip to the Doctor’s Office, x-rays and discussion with an orthopedic surgeon, I was informed that I had an AC Separation.  Nothing was broken but I did need to have my arm in a sling and get some rest.  As a result of the accident, I have learned a number of things.

1)      Healing takes time.

2)      Extra rest is needed to stimulate the healing process.
3)      It is OK to ask others for help you when you need it.
4)      Modern technology and technicians are wonderful.
5)      Patience is necessary because others are not always able to help at a moment’s notice.
6)      Being slowed down gives you opportunity to reflect – particularly on what is really important including God, His Word and family.
7)      In spite of pain and inconvenience contentment is possible.

The last lesson reminds me of the Biblical expression of the Apostle Paul who said, “I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances” (Philippians 4:11).  To be content is to be happy, to be satisfied or to be at ease.  Notice that contentment is something that needs to be learned.   So far, through this incident, I have experienced contentment.  I was at ease, even when headed to the medical facility with the possibility of a broken bone and surgery.  God allowed me to be satisfied that He would take care of me, no matter what the outcome.

Maybe we need to slow ourselves down and learn the lessons that God may want to teach us without waiting for an emergency to slow us down.

Time for Rest

In the whirlwind of our fast-paced society it is sometimes difficult to stop or even slow down.  However, amid our hectic activity of work and service (no matter how good the service we provide) we need to program rest into our schedules.  Amid a very busy schedule for both Jesus and his disciples He said to them, “Come with me by yourselves to a quiet place and get some rest” (Mark 6:31).  There was a reason for his request; He needed rest, and they needed it.  You need rest too!  Notice several things about His comments:

(1) The invitation – “come.”
(2) The source – “with me.”
(3) The exclusivity – “by yourselves.”
(4) The destination – “to a quiet place.”
(5) The purpose – “and get some rest.”

Periodically we need to STOP.  Stop our activities – even good activities.  Stop our worrying – even thinking about concerns that may be good.  You can’t keep on working and serving without rest.  Here are some suggestions for you:

(1) Learn how to say “no.”
(2) On your day off – make sure you take time off.
(3) Go on a vacation – take all the time that you are allotted.
(4) Encourage your spouse or a friend to “come apart…and get some rest.”
(5) Ask God to help you rest as you should.

When you rest, you will be more effective in the work that you do and the service you render.  Just do it!